Animal

Wilbur the sheep gets mistaken for dog when owner takes him for walks on lead


Liberty May, 21, claims her sheep Wilbur acts more like a dog and enjoys strolls on a lead (Picture: Mercury Press)

A proud sheep owner who likes to snuggle him on the sofa has claimed her friends often mistake her farmyard friend for a dog.

Liberty May, 21, says her sheep Wilbur acts more like a house pet and enjoys strolls on a lead, playing fetch and begging for treats.

The young farmer got him after developing a love for livestock while growing up on her parents’ smallholding in Marwood, Devon.

She said people are left in disbelief when she takes the four-month-old out for a stroll as everyone thinks he seems more like a labrador than a lamb.

Liberty said: ‘When we walk down through the village everyone comes over straight away.

Buddy the ;abrador looks a little jealous (Picture: Mercury Press)
WIlbur likes nothing more than a cuddle on the sofa (Picture: Mercury Press)

‘They can’t believe he’s a sheep, they can’t even believe he’s real – they all say he looks like a dog and they all want to take photos with him.

‘He acts more like a dog than a sheep. He’s constantly smiling, he loves to sit on you like a big Labrador and he likes begging for food and being spoiled.

‘We spend every day together, he follows me everywhere and he looks for me when I’m not there. He’s like a little best friend.

‘I’m halter training him at the moment so I take him for walks every day and play with him on the farm.

‘He loves running around and cuddling up and he lets you do anything to him, whether it’s putting flowers in his hair or tying up his fluffy coat in bunches.’

Wilbur is a Valais Blacknose Sheep which are often described as ‘cuddly toys’ (Picture: Mercury Press)

Wilbur is a Valais Blacknose Sheep which are often described as ‘cuddly toys’ with ringlet-like curly fur, a fluffy black face and a friendly temperament.

Growing up, the young farmer admitted she would become attached to the animals and found it hard to let them go.

Liberty said: ‘From a young age, my mum used to take me and my sisters out lambing with her. I can’t remember a time I didn’t help out on the farm.

‘I did get attached very easily to the animals and I would be sad when it was time for them to leave the farm.

‘My dad did let me get away with quite a lot really, if there was ever an animal I really wanted to keep he would let me.

Wilbur is currently being halter trained (Picture: Mercury Press

‘I’ve always been interested in rare breeds and the Valais Blacknose is the cutest breed of sheep in the world – you look at them and you wouldn’t dream of eating them, they’re just so sweet and fluffy.’

In her small flock, Liberty also has two Romney sheep, Penelope and Dumbo, but is hoping new addition, Wilbur, will be able to compete in his first show next month.

She said: ‘I’ve set up an Instagram account for Wilbur and I’m quite keen to get him in some shows because I want to get more recognition for the breed.

‘They’re so cute but they don’t even have their own class in a lot of shows and I don’t think that many people know that they exist.’





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